"The partnership with the Manatee Chamber and better equipping MTI will pay dividends to Manatee County and manufacturers for years to come," said Doug Wagner, director of adult career and technical education for Manatee County schools. "The final chapter this year for ongoing, fixed funding is in our legislators' hands."

"The continued creation of new jobs and providing a favorable business climate in our state and county are at the top of Manatee Chamber's list," said chamber president Bob Bartz.

Chamber representatives plan to take their recommendations to Tallahassee next month.

Suncoast Workforce appoints board members

New members have been appointed by the Manatee and Sarasota county commissions to the Suncoast Workforce board of directors.

<p><b>Manatee Chamber chooses priorities</p><p></b></p><p>The Manatee Chamber of Commerce has chosen four priorities on which to lobby state legislators.</p><p>Its recommendations are to adopt "sports performance" as a target industry; ensure funding for Manatee Technical Institute; reform anti-business regulations; and collect sales tax on items bought online.</p><p>"The partnership with the Manatee Chamber and better equipping MTI will pay dividends to Manatee County and manufacturers for years to come," said Doug Wagner, director of adult career and technical education for Manatee County schools. "The final chapter this year for ongoing, fixed funding is in our legislators' hands."</p><p>"The continued creation of new jobs and providing a favorable business climate in our state and county are at the top of Manatee Chamber's list," said chamber president Bob Bartz.</p><p>Chamber representatives plan to take their recommendations to Tallahassee next month.</p><p><b>Suncoast Workforce appoints board members</p><p></b></p><p>New members have been appointed by the Manatee and Sarasota county commissions to the Suncoast Workforce board of directors.</p><p>Officers include Frances Alvarado, career adviser, Suncoast Workforce; Peg Beck, executive director of human resources, State College of Florida; Todd Bowden, executive director, career, technical and adult education, Sarasota County School District; Julie Brooks, human resources manager, Manatee Memorial Hospital; Mark DeHaan, regional community development manager, SunTrust Bank; David Kraft, vice president, Sun Graphic Technologies; Rick Mosholder, human resources director, Hoveround Corp.; Bryan Pope, general manager, Salvation Army; Mey Vidal-Paredes, human resources manager, Longboat Key Club and Resort; Matthew Westerman, labor and employment law attorney; Elizabeth Woloszyk, director, ITT Technical Institute.</p>